For comics shipping 09.22.10 or The Week Uatu Tried Social Networking. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DC COMICS

The Flash #5 – $2.99

Hey, remember when this book was coming out on time? You know, I’m probably actually being a little hard on Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul. I mean, the book is only a month late. I can deal with a month, especially on a book that’s this good. I figured I’d be more disappointed that Wally would no longer be the star, but it’s just such a great read that it’s tough to stay mad at the creative team. Even though I’m still a little annoyed that we haven’t seen or heard from the Flash I grew up with in what feels like forever, I guess I’ll just have to get over it for the time being. Have I told you yet how good this book is?

IMAGE COMICS

Image Firsts: I Kill Giants #1 – $1.00

Okay, so I’ve recommended this comic before in its collected version, but if you happened to miss that, I’m here to tell you about I Kill Giants once again. Joe Kelly’s story is a wonderfully brilliant fantasy tale set in our time. Young heroine Barbara must face some difficult obstacles during this tale, and even with her strength, she just might not be able to handle the impending challenge the giants present. I love this book. I have an autographed copy on my book shelf. I’ve read it more than a dozen times. It’s hard growing up, and Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura hold nothing back in this emotionally charged journey. Besides, it’s only a dollar. Give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.

Velocity #2 – $3.99

I really dug the first issue of this mini. Kenneth Rocafort’s art is so different and stylized it’s hard not to pour over every detail on every page. With solid scripting from Ron Marz, this book is a shining example that there are great stories being told beyond the Big Two. You just have to know where to look. Why not start with this preview?

MARVEL COMICS

Black Widow #6 – $2.99

I liked Marjorie Liu’s opening story, but now that my boy Duane Swierczynski’s on writing duties, I’m definitely making sure this book makes it home with me. Duane’s got a great mind for spy stories, thrillers, and action, and I’m really looking forward to what he does with this book. Check out this preview to see if this might be something you’d be interested in.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #14 – $3.99

This book is the reason I like Brian Bendis. No matter how much I like or dislike his other works, his writing on this title has been so consistently good from the very start, and I just can’t stop reading it. I literally cannot put an issue down once I pick it up. This latest storyline featuring the Chameleon, who has stolen Peter’s identity, has been a great reimagining of the villain, and with David LaFuente’s beautifully expressive interiors, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is a package that’s pretty hard to pass up. Don’t believe me? Try this preview on for size.